Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine that instead of growing in a straight vertical line, curving to the left or right, assuming a shape similar to a C or an S. Almost all cases of scoliosis are mild, but a severe curve can cause lung and heart problems as well as deformities. Careful monitoring of the curvature, a brace, or spinal surgery are the main methods of treating scoliosis.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Diagnosis
Step 1. Learn how scoliosis is formed
Since each person has a somewhat different spine, there is no specific way to define what scoliosis will look like and how it will heal. Sometimes the curve is slight, while at other times it is quite pronounced; sometimes there may be multiple bends, other times there is only one. Here are the five main factors of curvature that doctors consider when they encounter scoliosis:
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Shape.
Scoliosis can be structural, with a side-to-side curve and twisting of the vertebrae, or non-structural, with a simple side-to-side curve and no twisting.
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The position.
The vertebrae found at the top of the hump, called the apical vertebrae, are considered landmarks for identifying scoliosis.
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The direction.
The doctor must determine whether the curvature bends to the left or to the right.
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The breadth.
The angle and length of the curvature are also measured.
Step 2. Know the cause
In 80% of cases, the cause of scoliosis is unknown, although there is no evidence that it could be a hereditary disease. When the cause is unknown, scoliosis is called idiopathic. This condition can arise anytime between childhood and adolescence. A small percentage of cases have concrete causes:
- If it is due to birth defects it is called congenital scoliosis.
- Neuromuscular scoliosis can be caused by cerebral palsy, a spinal cord injury, or a damaged nervous system.
Step 3. Know the possible complications
In most cases, the curve is mild and requires no treatment. The doctor simply monitors the trend of the curve to see if it progresses, and proposes a cure only if the curvature changes over time. However, severe scoliosis can cause deformity and breathing problems, so it is important to check for any type of scoliosis as soon as it is detected.
Step 4. Look for symptoms
Since scoliosis is usually quite mild, it is not easy to spot. Parents do not always notice it in their children, since it develops slowly and causes almost imperceptible changes in appearance. Tests for scoliosis are mandatory in some school settings, and school teachers or nurses are often the first to notice. These symptoms are a sign of possible scoliosis:
- Uneven shoulders.
- A prominent shoulder blade.
- Uneven waist or hips.
Step 5. See a doctor for an evaluation
Scoliosis can develop at any time during adolescence and it is important to get examined right away if you notice a curve. The doctor will make you lean forward towards the floor, to make the curvature more visible. They may also do a back x-ray to determine if it is indeed scoliosis. In this case a treatment program will be established.
- If the curve is mild, your doctor will want to monitor it periodically to make sure it doesn't get worse.
- When deciding on the type of treatment to follow, age, sex, type of curvature and position will be taken into consideration.
Part 2 of 3: Treatments
Step 1. Keep the curve of the spine in check
Your doctor will be able to tell you how often new x-rays should be taken to see if your scoliosis gets worse. A checkup every four months is usually recommended. As the child grows, the curve often stops in the development phase and does not require any kind of intervention. However, if scoliosis gets worse, it needs to be treated.
Step 2. Assess if reinforcement is needed
A support brace is usually the first type of treatment for a scoliosis that is deemed moderate in size (25 to 40 degrees) or progressive in nature (if it grows more pronounced). The brace is usually only worn when the bones have not yet stopped growing, since it does not have a significant effect on fully developed bones. The use of the corset is usually stopped when the patient reaches puberty. It generally helps prevent the curvature from getting worse, but it often doesn't completely fix the problem.
- There are two types of busts: soft and hard plastic. The type of brace prescribed by the doctor depends on a number of factors, such as the position and size of the curve, in addition to the patient's age and activity. Gender is also an important factor, as girls have a higher risk of progression than boys.
- Some braces are only worn overnight, while others need to be worn for up to 23 hours a day. It is important to wear the brace for the recommended time to make sure it is effective.
Step 3. Consider having spinal fusion surgery
This treatment is the last resort for severe cases of scoliosis that threaten to cause deformity, breathing or heart problems. Spinal fusion surgery is usually recommended only after the patient has reached puberty, when braces or braces are no longer viable solutions.
- Spinal fusion surgery involves connecting the vertebrae together, so that the spine cannot curve.
- The procedure varies according to the type of scoliosis and the age of the patient.
Part 3 of 3: Alternative Treatments
Step 1. Try physical exercise
Studies have not led to firm conclusions, but they argue that physical activity could help prevent worsening of scoliosis. If your child has mild scoliosis, talk to a doctor to find out which physical activities are healthy and safe for their condition. Team sports and other forms of training are usually recommended.
- Physiotherapy is just as useful as sport and physical exercise.
- Staying active is also helpful for adults with scoliosis.
Step 2. Try treatments that relieve pain but do not correct the curve
Scoliosis can cause back pain, which is treatable by following alternative medical practices. For example, although there is no certain evidence that chiropractic treatment is actually helpful, it can relieve the pain associated with scoliosis, even if it does not solve the root problem.
- If you decide to pursue chiropractic treatment, be sure to go to a licensed professional who makes no promises that are not backed up by medical science.
- Try yoga or massage for back pain. These methods have not been shown to affect the curve of the spine, but they are both safe and effective ways to deal with back pain, as they loosen and strengthen the muscles.
